The investigation into the cause of the light aircraft accident that killed a young couple in the Whitsundays has been discontinued.
22-year-old Rhiley Kuhrt and his pregnant 24-year-old wife, Maree, left Natal Downs Station for a private flight to the Lakeside Airpark, south of the Whitsundays, in a Piper Cherokee single-engine light aircraft on April 2.
Their aircraft crashed during an adverse weather event on steep terrain at the Clarke Ranges near Proserpine, with no survivors.
A report by the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) was published on Tuesday.
It stated that the “aircraft departed in good weather for visual flight, but flew into poor conditions, including low cloud around the Clarke Ranges”.
The report also revealed that Mr Kuhrt did not hold an aeroplane pilot’s licence (either a Recreational Pilot Licence or Private Pilot Licence) required to conduct the flight.
Upon this basis, the ATSB said the investigation has been discontinued.
The ATSB reminds the public about the importance of completing the correct training to ensure full safety measures are taken with an understanding of how navigate adverse weather conditions.
“This accident highlights the importance of following the standards for the operation and maintenance of aircraft to ensure the safety of flight,” said ATSB Chief Commissioner Angus Mitchell said.
“It further demonstrates that weather continues to remain one of the most significant causes of accidents in general aviation.”
Caption: 22-year-old Rhiley Kuhrt and his pregnant 24-year-old wife, Maree, died in a light aircraft accident near Proserpine in April. Photo supplied
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